Why the Boom Won’t Lift and What to Do About It

[MikePhua]

Hydraulic Systems and Their Vulnerabilities
Boom lift failure is often rooted in hydraulic system malfunction. Whether on a loader, excavator, or lift truck, the boom relies on pressurized fluid to actuate the lift cylinder. If the boom refuses to rise, the first suspect is usually a loss of hydraulic pressure or flow restriction. Common causes include:

• Low or contaminated hydraulic fluid
  
• Damaged or kinked hydraulic lines
  
• Worn pump components reducing output
  
• Internal leakage in the lift cylinder
  
• Blocked or malfunctioning control valves
  

A technician in Nevada once diagnosed a boom failure on a telehandler where the hydraulic fluid looked clean but had absorbed moisture over time. The viscosity dropped below spec, causing cavitation in the pump and sluggish boom response. After flushing the system and replacing the fluid, the lift returned to normal.
Terminology Notes

• Cavitation: Formation of vapor bubbles in hydraulic fluid due to low pressure, which damages pump components
  
• Counterbalance Valve: A safety valve that prevents uncontrolled boom descent and maintains load stability
  
• Spool Valve: A sliding valve that directs hydraulic flow to specific actuators
  
• Bypass Flow: Fluid that escapes internally due to worn seals or valves, reducing effective pressure
  
• Microswitch: A small electrical switch used to signal control logic, often found in joystick assemblies
  

Mechanical and Valve-Related Faults
If fluid pressure is adequate, the next area to inspect is the valve bank. A stuck or damaged spool valve can prevent fluid from reaching the lift cylinder. In some systems, the boom lift circuit includes a counterbalance valve that may stick closed, blocking flow entirely. Symptoms include:

• Audible fluid movement without boom response
  
• Boom lowers but won’t raise
  
• Manual override of the valve shows partial movement
  
• No visible leaks but poor performance
  

A crew in Alberta found that their loader’s boom wouldn’t lift due to debris lodged in the counterbalance valve. After disassembly and cleaning, the valve operated normally and the boom regained full lift capacity.
Cylinder and Seal Integrity
Internal leakage within the lift cylinder can also cause failure. If the piston seal is compromised, fluid may bypass internally, reducing lift force. This is harder to detect externally but can be diagnosed by:

• Listening for bypass noise at the cylinder during operation
  
• Observing slow or incomplete lift despite full control input
  
• Testing pressure at the cylinder inlet while monitoring movement
  

A contractor in Georgia used a pressure gauge and found that although the control valve was delivering full pressure, the boom barely moved. Replacing the piston seal restored full lift function.
Electrical and Control System Interference
On electronically controlled machines, joystick inputs trigger both hydraulic pump stroke and valve actuation. If microswitches or solenoids fail, the boom may not respond. Key checks include:

• Verifying power to the solenoid controlling the lift valve
  
• Testing microswitch continuity in the joystick
  
• Inspecting wiring harnesses for corrosion or damage
  
• Bypassing the control circuit to test manual valve operation
  

In one case, a boom lift in Texas failed to respond due to a broken wire in the joystick harness. After splicing and sealing the connection, the lift resumed normal operation.
Preventive Maintenance and Recommendations
To avoid boom lift failures:

• Check hydraulic fluid levels weekly and replace fluid every 1,000 hours
  
• Inspect hoses and fittings monthly for wear or leaks
  
• Clean valve blocks and replace filters regularly
  
• Test control switches and solenoids during scheduled service
  
• Keep a log of symptoms and repairs to identify recurring issues
  

For machines operating in dusty or corrosive environments, consider installing breather filters and sealed connectors to protect hydraulic and electrical systems.
Stories from the Field
A demolition crew in Ohio experienced a boom lift failure during a critical concrete removal job. After ruling out fluid and valve issues, they discovered that the safety interlock on the outrigger system had failed, preventing boom activation. Replacing the interlock switch restored full function and allowed the job to continue without delay.
In another case, a forestry operator in British Columbia retrofitted his loader with a pressure monitoring system and audible alarm. The system alerted him to low lift pressure before failure, allowing preventive action and avoiding downtime.
Conclusion
When a boom won’t lift, the problem is rarely isolated. It often involves a combination of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical factors. By approaching the issue methodically—checking fluid, valves, cylinders, and controls—operators can restore functionality and prevent future failures. With proper diagnostics and maintenance, even aging machines can continue to perform reliably under demanding conditions.